The innovative team at Jaguar-Land Rover are determined to elevate the game in terms of facial recognition technology. Dr. Steve Iley, the chief medical officer at JLR, states that the automaker aims to utilize the technology to identify when drivers are either disinterested or uncomfortable, enabling instant adjustments while on the move.
Although it might seem like a concept from a futuristic dystopian novel, facial recognition has been integrated into modern vehicles for quite some time. For instance, Mercedes-Benz introduced systems that detect driver fatigue in models such as the S-Class and E-Class several years ago, which can alert drivers when they are too drowsy to drive. Such technology has gradually become common in more mainstream cars as well.
Moreover, Iley envisions that the system will enhance fully autonomous vehicles to be even more intuitive, removing the need for occupants to interact with anything while the vehicle drives autonomously.
Iley stated, “As we progress towards a future with self-driving technology, our focus remains as much on the driver as it always has been. By taking a comprehensive approach to the individual driver, incorporating the knowledge gained from recent advancements in research on personal well-being, we aim to ensure that our customers remain comfortable, engaged, and attentive behind the wheel in all driving situations, including mundane highway journeys.”
The facial recognition system will be supported by cutting-edge artificial intelligence and an array of in-car cameras and biometric sensors to monitor occupant behavior. Consequently, if the system detects that passengers are uninterested, the car will automatically switch radio stations to something more appealing. Similarly, if the system detects that the driver feels too chilly, it will automatically increase the temperature of the HVAC system by a few degrees. Over time, the system will purportedly learn these behaviors and habits and save them as personalized settings.
Another fantastic feature that JLR aims to integrate is the capacity to detect the condition of rear passengers. Thus, if they exhibit signs of fatigue, the car could automatically adjust the interior ambient lighting to a dimmer setting and raise the temperature for improved comfort.
However, the implementation of facial recognition is not devoid of controversy, as its application in various areas has led to concerns about its potential invasion of privacy.
